By David Hobbs
August 7 2005

Celtic boss Gordon Strachan is poised to sign Manchester United defender John O'Shea, according to recent reports over the weekend.

Strachan, dejected about conceding 5 goals to Artmedia Bratislava and eventually being knocked out of the Champions League by them, is on the look-out for a solid defender to sort out his defensive woe.

Celtic then went on to draw 4-4 with Motherwell in their opening SPL fixture.

Strachan could land China captain Du We, but is looking for someone more established in the UK and Republic of Ireland international O'Shea fits the bill.

However, despite a lack of first-team football as a Red Devil, O'Shea will fight for a place amid speculation. "I'm aware of the speculation but I'm very happy here," he insisted. "I'm getting plenty of football and know I can get a lot more. That's my aim.

"Old Trafford is the best place to learn your football but that isn't the reason I am staying.

"I want to get into the first XI - that's the most important thing - and I believe I have a future here."

David Hobbs - Webmaster
[david@manutdweb.com]